Application Discovery on Mobile Devices

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for application discovery on mobile devices are provided. A subscriber identity module (SIM) card associated with a mobile device sends information to a network server, which determines an identifier (e.g., a phone number) associated with the SIM card. Using the identifier, the network server provides application information to the mobile device. The application information, which may include the application itself, is then used to install the application on the mobile device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to mobile devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to discovery of applications on mobile devices.

2. Description of Related Art

Mobile device applications can be provided by manufacturers of the mobile device. Manufacturers that provide such applications may provide the mobile device for sale with such applications installed and ready for use. Users who buy such mobile devices are able to discover these various applications while browsing through the features of the mobile devices. The computing power and environment of the mobile device provide for the quality of user experience in operating such applications.

Entities other than manufacturers may wish to provide an application for use on a mobile device. The application may provide opportunities for marketing various services to the user of the mobile device. In some instances, however, these entities may not be able to provide applications to mobile devices as part of the original manufacture process. One presently available method for providing an application to a user's mobile device post point-of-sale is to send unsolicited messages concerning an application to the mobile device. Users, however, are unlikely to view or to trust information from unsolicited messages, and as a result, are unlikely to ever install or use the application.

Another presently available way to provide the application to the mobile device has been to provide the application over the Internet to, for example, a personal computing device. One issue with this option is the lack of discoverability on the part of the user. The user is less likely to discover the application where there is no indication from the mobile device itself. While some users may initiate a transfer from their personal computing device to their mobile device through a USB or other wired (or sometimes wireless) connection, a large number of users may not do so for lack of knowledge, ability, resources, and inclination.

Yet another available method for providing an application to a mobile device is to provide the application on a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. SIM cards are required for use of global system for mobile communication (GSM) mobile devices, which are presently the most common type of mobile device. A SIM card is a smartcard that includes, among other things, user subscription information and identifier information. SIM cards may further include a SIM Application Toolkit, which allows the SIM card to interact with various parties independent of the mobile device and to provide commands to the handset, including providing displays, and requesting and receiving user input. The SIM Application Toolkit may be defined in GSM 11.14 or 3GPP 31.111 standards for 2G and 3G networks, respectively.

For various reasons including security, the platform of a SIM card cannot install applications to the platform of the associated mobile device. Any application provided on a SIM card must therefore use the computing platform of the SIM card. Because the platforms of SIM cards are much more limited in computing power than the platform of the mobile device, the user experience provided by applications from the SIM card may be more limited and/or poorer in quality. As a result, the application provider may lose various advantages that come with providing the application. The user also loses any advantages of being able to fully use all application services on the mobile device. There is, therefore, a need in the art for improved methods and systems for application discovery on mobile devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary systems and methods of the present invention provide for application discovery on mobile devices. Subscriber identity module (SIM) cards including indications concerning various applications may be provided to users of mobile devices. In various embodiments, a SIM card may provide a display of an indication to the mobile device, and a user of the mobile device may request the application by selecting the indication. The SIM card sends information to the network server, which determines an identifier associated with the SIM card. Using the identifier, the network server provides application information to the mobile phone. The application information may include a hyperlink for downloading the application, application-related information, the application itself, and various combinations thereof. The application may then be installed on the mobile device.

Various embodiments of the present invention include methods for application discovery on mobile devices. Such methods include receiving SIM card information, determining an identifier from the received information, and using the determined identifier to provide application information to the mobile device. Some embodiments further comprise generating and sending hyperlinks to the mobile device, as well as including the hyperlinks in text messages.

Methods for application discovery on mobile devices may further include storing information including an identifier on a SIM card, associating the SIM card with a mobile device so that communications using the identifier stored on the SIM card are receivable by the mobile device, and providing the stored information to a network server which uses the identifier to send application information to the mobile device. Further embodiments may include providing a display on an indication concerning an application, receiving a user request concerning the application, generating and sending SMS text messages, and communicating via an Internet browser session.

An exemplary system for application discovery on mobile devices may include a download server for providing application information and a network server for receiving information from a SIM card of a mobile device, determining the identifier, and using the determined identifier to send a message concerning the provided application information to the mobile device. In various embodiments, the system further provides for sending the application information via SMS text message and for providing a hyperlink for downloading application information.

Embodiments of the present invention include computer-readable storage media having embodied thereon programs that, when executed by a processor or computing device, perform methods for application discovery on mobile devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exemplary system for application discovery on mobile devices in a communications network.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting a method for application discovery on mobile devices.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting an alternative method for application discovery on mobile devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A subscriber identity module (SIM) card may store information concerning a user of a mobile device (e.g., identifier information) and information concerning various applications. The SIM card may be associated with a mobile device, which allows the mobile device to receive communications with the identifier information from the SIM card. A SIM card may provide a display concerning an application to the mobile device and a user of the mobile device may request the application. The SIM card sends information to the network server, which determines the identifier associated with the SIM card. The network server uses the identifier to send application information to the mobile device. The application information allows for the download and/or installation of the application on the mobile device.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary implementation of a system for application discovery on a mobile device 110 using a communications network 100. In communications network 100, mobile device 110 includes a subscriber identify module card 120, which can communicate with network server 130 wirelessly. The communications network 100 further allows for network server 130 to communicate over a wired or wireless connection with download server 140. Both the network server 130 and the download server 140 can also communicate with mobile device 110.

Communications network 100 may relate a variety of devices (e.g., mobile devices, servers) coupled to one another via a variety of communications channels, such as a Wide Area Network (WAN) or the Internet, and interconnected workstations within a relatively small geographic area such as a Local Area Network (LAN). Communications network 100 may be homogeneous or heterogeneous with respect to any particular communications medium (e.g., wireless or landline) and may overlap with or be shared by various service providers. Various hardware components (e.g., base stations, routers, and so forth) may be implemented in communications network 100. In that regard, communications networks should be interpreted as being inclusive rather than exclusive.

Mobile device 110 is inclusive of any variety of mobile devices that are able to communicate using a wireless or landline mobile network. Mobile device 110 also includes network connectivity such that it may exchange information with other computing devices over communications network 100. Mobile device 110 is inclusive of cellular telephones, smart phones, PDAs, wireless e-mail devices, and handheld computers. A variety of mobile networks and communications channels for enabling Internet access are well known in the art.

Subscriber identity module (SIM) card 120 may be any kind of removable smartcard used in GSM mobile devices to store information, including user information, identifier information (e.g., a phone number), contact information, and application information. When associated with a mobile device 110, SIM card 120 allows various parties to use the stored identifier to communicate with the mobile device. SIM cards such as SIM card 120 have their own computing platform which may be visible to the user of the mobile device 110 and allows for independent communication with various parties, such as network server 130.

Network server 130 and download server 140 may communicate with mobile device 110 and/or SIM card 120 using mobile networks, local area networks (LAN), and/or wide area networks (WAN) such as the Internet. Network server 130 may be any combination of computer hardware and software configured to receive and transmit information. Network server 130 may be, for example, an enterprise server, such as that found in any number of corporate entities and businesses. Network server 130 may be configured to communicate with multiple devices such as mobile device 110, SIM card 120, and download server 130.

Download server 140 may be any kind of computing system that allows for downloading of information. Download server 140, in FIG. 1, can provide application information directly to mobile device 110 and/or to network server 120. In some embodiments, the mobile device 110 may receive a message including a hyperlink for downloading application information from the download server 140. The user of the mobile device 110 may select the hyperlink, which may automatically initiate the download from the download server 140. In some embodiments, the download server 140 may send application information to the network server 120, which may then relay such information to the mobile device 110.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method 200 for application discovery on a mobile device 110. In the method 200, information including an identifier is stored on the SIM card (e.g., SIM card 120), which may then be associated with a mobile device (e.g., mobile device 110) that displays information concerning an application. Upon receiving a user selection, a text (e.g., SMS) message including the identifier is generated and sent to a network server (e.g., network server 120).

In step 210, information is stored on SIM card 120. When a user purchases and/or activates a mobile device 110, user information may be provided and stored on a SIM card (e.g., SIM card 120) to be used with the mobile device (mobile device 110). Other information stored on the SIM card 120 may include subscription information, identifier information, or a SIM application toolkit. The mobile service provider, which provides the SIM card 120, may also choose to include information concerning various applications.

In step 220, the SIM card 120 is associated with the mobile device 110 such that the identifier (e.g., a phone number) stored on the SIM card 120 may be used by various parties to communicate with the mobile device 110. In some cases, the SIM card 120 may be simply inserted into the mobile device 110, and the SIM card 120 will automatically associate with the mobile device 110. Some SIM cards or mobile devices may require time, further information, or further action (e.g., unlocking by a service provider) before they can be associated.

In optional step 230, the SIM card 120 provides information for display by the mobile device 110 concerning the application. The display, which may be provided automatically or in response to a user request, may include text, graphics, icons, or some other indication concerning one or more applications. The display is visible on the mobile device 110 for the user to view and browse. Being able to display information concerning the application promotes the discoverability of the application, as well as the effectiveness and trustworthiness of the application for marketing purposes.

In optional step 240, a user request concerning an application is received. The user may select an application from the display provided in step 230. User selection may include clicking on a certain icon, pressing a button, or the like. This step allows the user to request information concerning a particular application of interest to the user. In some embodiments, information concerning one or more applications may be sent automatically to the user without requiring any user request, and the method would proceed to the next step.

In optional step 250, a text message is generated by the SIM card 120. In GSM networks, text messages commonly follow the short message service (SMS) protocol. Whether generated automatically or in response to the user request received in step 240, the text message generated by SIM card 120 may include information concerning an identifier (e.g., a phone number) or information concerning a requested application.

In step 260, information from SIM card 120 is provided to a network server (e.g., network server 130 of FIG. 1). As discussed with respect to step 250, such SIM card information may include information concerning an identifier or a requested application. In some embodiments, the information may be provided via the text message generated in optional step 250. Alternatively, the SIM card 120 may open an Internet browser session, connect to network server 130, and send the information via the browser session. In response to the information sent by SIM card 120, the network server 130 may provide application information that can be used to install the application onto the mobile device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting another exemplary method 300 for application discovery on a mobile device 110. In the method 300, information is received from a SIM card 120, an identifier determined from the received SIM card information, a hyperlink is generated and sent to the mobile device 110, which can use the hyperlink to download application information from download server 140. The application information can then be used to install the application on the mobile device 110.

In step 310, information from the SIM card 120 is received by network server 130. The SIM card information includes identifier information and may further include a user request for a particular application. Such information may be received via a text message or communication over an Internet browser session between SIM card 120 and network server 130.

In step 320, an identifier is determined from the information sent by the SIM card 120. The network server 130 can evaluate the information received in step 310 and determine an identifier that is associated with SIM card 120 and, by extension, associated with mobile device 110. The identifier may include a phone number, email address, etc., that may be used to communicate with the mobile device 110.

In optional step 330, the network server 120 generates a hyperlink for downloading application information. The application information, which may include the application itself, instructions for installation, and the like, may be stored at download server 140 and/or network server 130. Generating a hyperlink may include storing the application information at a particular location on the network server 130 or download server 140 and associating the hyperlink with the location.

In optional step 340, the hyperlink is sent to the mobile device 110 using the identifier determined in step 320. In various embodiments of the present invention, the hyperlink may be sent to the mobile device 110 in a text message (e.g., SMS text message). Alternatively, the hyperlink may be sent in an email to an email address associated with the mobile device 110. Various other means may be utilized for delivery of information concerning download of information as it pertains to the application information.

In step 350, the application information is provided to mobile device 110. In some embodiments, the mobile device 110 may have received the hyperlink generated and sent in steps 330 and 340, respectively. The user of the mobile device 110 may then select the hyperlink and request the download of application information from the download server 140. Some embodiments provide for the application to be sent from the network server 130 to the mobile device 110. After the application and/or related information is downloaded, the application may then be installed on the mobile device 110.

It is noteworthy that any hardware platform suitable for performing the processing described herein is suitable for use with the invention. The terms “computer-readable medium” and “computer-readable media” as used herein refer to any medium or media that participate in providing instructions to a CPU for execution. Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media as well as transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as a fixed disk. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as system RAM. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, among others, including the wires that comprise one embodiment of a bus. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.

Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD), any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of marks or holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASHEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a CPU for execution. A bus carries the data to system RAM, from which a CPU retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by system RAM can optionally be stored on a fixed disk either before or after execution by a CPU.

The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

While the present invention has been described in connection with a series of preferred embodiment, these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth herein. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 

1. A method for application discovery on a mobile device, the method comprising: receiving information from a subscriber identity module associated with the mobile device; determining an identifier of the subscriber identity module based on the received information; and using the determined identifier to provide application information to the mobile device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the information from the subscriber identity module is received via an SMS message.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the information from the subscriber identity module is received via an Internet browser session.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein providing application information comprises sending a text message to the mobile device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the application information comprises generating a hyperlink for downloading an application.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the application information comprises an application.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the provided application information is used to install an application on the mobile device.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing updates concerning the application information to the mobile device.
 9. A method for application discovery on a mobile device, the system comprising: storing information concerning a user of the mobile device in a subscriber identity module, the stored information including an identifier; associating the subscriber identity module with the mobile device such that a communication using the identifier stored on the subscriber identity module is receivable by the mobile device; and providing the identifier to a network server, wherein the network server uses the identifier to provide application information to the mobile device.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing a display of an indication concerning an application.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving a user request concerning an application.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein providing the identifier comprises generating and sending an SMS message.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein providing the identifier comprises communicating via an Internet browser session.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the application information is used to install an application on the mobile device.
 15. A system for application discovery on a mobile device, the system comprising a download server configured to provide application information; and a network server configured to: receive information concerning the mobile device from an associated subscriber identity module, determine an identifier of the subscriber identity module card based on the received information, and send a message concerning the provided application information to the mobile device.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the message is sent via an SMS message.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the message comprises a hyperlink for downloading the application from the download server.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the message comprises the application.
 19. A computer-readable storage medium having embodied thereon a program, the program being executable by a computer processor to perform a method for application discovery on a mobile device, the method comprising: receiving information from a subscriber identity module associated with the mobile device; determining an identifier of the subscriber identity module based on the received information; using the determined identifier to provide application information to the mobile device.
 20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein the provided application is used to install an application on the mobile device. 